Aguachile Recipe (Mexican Shrimp Ceviche) Recipe
Aguachile is a refreshing and spicy Mexican shrimp ceviche featuring juicy shrimp marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, chili peppers, cilantro, and onions. Perfect as a light appetizer or a flavorful snack, this dish combines heat, citrus, and fresh herbs to deliver a bright, tangy flavor that is both zesty and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (marinating time 15-20 minutes)
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Ceviche-style marination
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb fresh raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
- 3–5 serrano or jalapeño peppers, stemmed and deseeded for less heat
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Tortilla chips or tostadas, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Slice each shrimp in half lengthwise to ensure they will ‘cook’ evenly in the citrus marinade.
- Make the chili-lime sauce: In a blender, combine the lime juice, serrano or jalapeño peppers, cilantro leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the aguachile sauce.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the sliced shrimp in a glass or ceramic bowl and pour the blended sauce over them. Mix gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes, during which the shrimp will turn opaque and firm, indicating they are ‘cooked’ by the citrus.
- Add vegetables: After marinating, add the thinly sliced red onion and cucumber to the shrimp mixture. Toss gently to combine for added crunch and freshness.
- Serve: Plate the aguachile and garnish with avocado slices if using. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or tostadas on the side for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- Adjust the number of chilies depending on your spice tolerance. Removing seeds reduces heat.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not over-marinate shrimp; 15-20 minutes is sufficient to avoid rubbery texture.
- For a milder version, substitute serrano with milder peppers or reduce the amount.
- Always serve aguachile chilled and consume it the same day for freshness and safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: aguachile, shrimp ceviche, mexican appetizer, spicy shrimp, lime marinated shrimp, fresh seafood, mexican cuisine
